Apparatus, system, and method for creating an individually balanceable environment of sound and light

ABSTRACT

A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed for therapeutic light and sound, comprising the steps of exposing a user to spectral light and laterally directed sound and adjusting the manner of exposure sufficient to elicit a desired autonomic nervous response.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit ofapplication Ser. No. 11/013,778, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FORCREATING AN INDIVIDUALLY BALANCABLE ENVIRONMENT OF SOUND AND LIGHT”filed on Dec. 16, 2004, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,141,028 on Nov.28, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for creating anindividually balanced environment of sound and light.

2. Description of the Related Art

Certain benefits of utilizing light, sound, color, and vibration areknown. Medical evidence indicates that the health of people may beaffected by exposure to light. The scientific investigation andtherapeutic use of light in medicine has its origins well over a centuryago in the works of Edwin D. Babbitt, M. D. (The Principles of Light andColor, 1873) and Seth Pancoast, M. D. (Blue and Red Light or Light andIts Rays as Medicine, 1877).

The “Spectro-Chrome” therapy, developed by scientist/inventor Dinshah P.Ghadiali and utilized in the U.S. from roughly 1920-1950, was usedsuccessfully by Dr. Kate W. Baldwin at the Philadelphia Women's Hospitalto aid in the healthy regeneration of skin tissue in the case of severeand extensive burns on the body. The Spectro-Chrome therapy involvedrepeatedly exposing certain areas of the body to certain colors of lightfor a fixed duration of time. Colored light therapy research wasfurthered in the 1940's by Russian scientist S. V. Krakov, who was thefirst to examine its effects on the autonomic nervous system.Chromotherapy, the therapeutic use of light of particular colors, isbelieved to interact with the body via the skin and the eyes which mayfunction as receptors.

Intensity of light and its overall spectral components are also known tobe important. Utilization of sunlight as a cure for jaundice wasdiscovered by accident in 1956 by Sister Ward of Rochford GeneralHospital in England. More recent studies have examined the role ofsunlight and full-spectrum lighting to address Seasonal AffectiveDisorder and a host of other health disorders including bulimia, delayedsleep phase syndrome, and regulation of menstrual cycles.

It is also known that sound plays a substantial role in changes of pulsefrequency, blood pressure, blood circulation, muscle relaxation,perspiration, and oxygen consumption of a person. Sound therapy is welldocumented medically to have a profound effect on human health. Rhythm,pitch, frequency (tone), intensity, resonances, harmonics, and vibrationall affect the body. The therapeutic use of sound (e.g., in the form ofmusic) has ancient roots, but Burton Goldberg in Alternative Medicine,cites a medical investigation of the effect of sound on the human bodyas early as 1896. Medicine's recent understanding of theinterconnectedness of the sub-cellular and intracellulartissue-tensegrity matrix of the body, often referred to as the livingmatrix, prove the effects of sound on the body to be profound. Sound iscomposed of pressure waves which are not only perceived by the auditorysystem of the body, but are felt as vibrations as well. Auditory signalsare understood to be carried to the vagus nerve in the body via, forexample, the eighth and tenth cranial nerves. The vagus nerve extends toall of the visceral organs of the body and, in addition to regulatingbreathing, heart rate and speech, also affects the immune system.

Cymatic therapy, developed by Sir Peter Guy Manners, M. D., appliesaudible sound to the skin to stimulate natural regulatory andimmunological systems, and to produce a near-optimum metabolic state fora particular cell or organ. Dr. Manners is said to have identified thehealthy vibrational resonance frequency of tissues and organs in thebody. Computerized cymatic therapy allegedly transmits the appropriateaudio resonance frequencies needed to reestablish healthy resonance inunhealthy tissues. According to Goldberg, cymatic therapy has been inuse in the U.S. since the 1960's and has no known side affects (althoughit cannot be used on patients with pacemakers). An important point aboutcymatic therapy is that it does not purport to heal but, rather,effectively places the body in such a state that its own natural abilityto heal is enhanced.

Sound can also be utilized to affect brainwave states, as extensivelyinvestigated and documented by Robert Monroe and the Monroe Institute.The effects of binaural beats, the brain's integration of two coherentsound waves that are very close in frequency to generate the sensationof a third sound from the brainstem's superior olivary nucleus, areneurologically conveyed to shift brainwaves. The Monroe Institute'sHemi-Sync™ audio technology embeds binaural beat patterns in music toinduce relaxed or other altered consciousness states. Integrativemedicine champion Dr. Andrew Weil has recently released a book/CDentitled, Sound Body, Sound Mind: Music for Healing, which also utilizesbinaural beats in music to induce relaxation, shiftedconsciousness/brainwave states, and restorative healing. This new fieldof psychoacoustics adds an additional dimension to the examination ofany healing technology that utilizes sound therapeutically.

Further, it is well known that the different parts of the human brainare known to relate to different parts of the body; for example, the twohemispheres of the brain are known to relate to different sides of thebody.

The role of the autonomic nervous system has also been gainingsignificant amounts of attention. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) isthe portion of the nervous system that controls (subconsciously) thefunction of the different organs and systems of the body. For instance,the ANS regulates heartbeat rate, body temperature, blood pressure,breathing, and bowel and bladder tone, among other variables. It is“autonomic” because our conscious mind does not govern its performance;rather, it works below the level of awareness. An importantcharacteristic of the ANS is the rapidity and intensity of the onset ofits action and its dissipation. Centers located in the central nervoussystem (e.g., brain stem, hypothalamus, and thalamus) and in the spinalcord activate the ANS. These centers also receive input from the limbicsystem and other higher brain areas. The ANS is thus considered to bethe interface between the mind and body functions. These connectionsenable the ANS to be the main component of the stress response system incharge of fight-or-flight reactions.

The ANS also works closely with the endocrine system (e.g., the hormonalsystem), particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Anotherendocrine axis closely related to the ANS involves growth hormonesecretion.

The peripheral autonomic system is discussed in terms of two branches:the sympathetic branch and the parasympathetic branch. These twobranches have antagonistic effects on most bodily functions, and theirproper balance is believed to preserve equilibrium (as well as health orwellness) in the body. Sympathetic activation prepares the whole bodyfor fight-or-flight in response to stress or emergencies. In contrast,parasympathetic activation favors digestive functions and sleep.

The sympathetic autonomic branch extends from the brain stem to thespinal cord and features quite extensive sympathetic nerve tissue in theneck and pelvic areas. From the spinal cord, the sympathetic nervoussystem is connected to the internal organs and to the extremities. Atthe skin level, sympathetic activity induces, for example, clammy hands,mottled skin, and piloerection (i.e., goose flesh).

The action of the two branches of the ANS is mediated byneurotransmitters. Adrenaline, which is also known as norepinephrine, isthe predominant sympathetic neurotransmitter, whereas acethylcoline actsin the parasympathetic system.

Until recently, the action of the extremely dynamic ANS has beendifficult to assess by clinical techniques. Changes in breathingpattern, mental stress, or even posture alter immediately and completelythe sympathetic/parasympathetic balance. However, the introduction of anew and very powerful cybernetic technique known as heart ratevariability analysis (“HRV)” has permitted nearly instantaneous datacollection from individuals without any bodily intrusions or invasions.A particularly useful HRV device is an FDA approved product known as theANX 3.0 manufactured by ANSAR, Inc., 240 South Eighth Street,Philadelphia, Pa. 19107. The variations in heart rate are one of themain parameters tracked in HRV measurements. In particular, the HRVtechnique is based on the fact that the heart rate is not uniform butvaries continuously from beat to beat by a few milliseconds. Theperiodic components of this endless heart rate variation are dictated bythe antagonistic impulses that the sympathetic and parasympatheticbranches have on the heart. Cybernetic recording of this constantvariability is able to estimate both sympathetic and parasympatheticactivity. The elegance of the HRV technique resides primarily in thefact that all measurements are derived from electrocardiograms, soindividuals are subjected to almost no discomfort at all during thecollection of data.

In particular, HRV measurements are made by connecting an individual toa series of externally applied electrodes, connecting a finger to apulse oximetry detector and then subjecting an individual to a series ofregular breathing, deep breathing, standing, and Valsalva exercises andmonitoring the subsequent physical response of the body (e.g., how thesympathetic and parasympathetic components of the ANS togetherfunction). In general, a person in a healthy state is perceived to havenearly balanced sympathetic and parasympathetic activity of theautonomic nervous system.

It is further known that natural narcotic-like molecules namedendocannabinoids are released by the brain. (R. Nicoll and B. Alger, TheBrain's Own Marijuana, Scientific American, December 2004. p. 68.) Thesemolecules participate in regulating hunger, anxiety, pain, and otherreactions. Endocannabinoids facilitate the process of retrogradesignaling, or depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition.(“DSI”).DSI enhances a form of learning called long-term potentiation, in whichinformation is stored through the strengthening of synapses. In effect,DSI allows individual neurons to briefly disconnect from the neuralnetwork and encode information.

Recent studies have linked DSI to anxiety recovery. Rodents lackingendocannabiniod receptors, like normal rodents, can learn an anxietyresponse to, for example, a bell initially accompanied by an electricshock. Unlike normal rodents, however, the receptor-deficient rodentsnever lose the anxiety response upon repeated exposure to the bellwithout the electric shock. Such research suggests the importance ofendocannabinoids in recovery from such conditions as post-traumaticstress syndrome.

Various stimuli foster the release of endocannabinoids, which appear tobe more abundant in some individuals than others. Recent researchsuggests that cognition, learning, memory, and anxiety recovery would beenhanced by an environment that encourages the release ofendocannabinoids.

Notwithstanding the interrelated and delicately tuned effect of lightand sound on an individual user, previous practice has relied eitherupon the judgment of a practitioner or accepted knowledge as to whatfrequencies of sound and/or light should be applied to create a benefit.Yet, from the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a needexists for an apparatus, system, and method provides an environment ofsound and light customized to an individual user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the presentstate of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems andneeds in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currentlyavailable light and sound environments. Accordingly, the presentinvention has been developed to provide a system, apparatus, and methodfor creating an individually balanced environment of light and sound.

The disclosed system, apparatus, and method provide a resonant enclosurecontaining an environment of music and light which can be balancedindividually with respect to a living being substantially containedwithin said enclosure. In one embodiment the resonant enclosure may betuned to resonate in the range of a specific musical tone, for example Cflat minor. The depicted embodiments achieve the balanced environment byusing acoustic vibrations, also known as sound, directed to, forexample, the right and left sides of the individual's body. Certainforms of the enclosure could also act as a sound reflector to directacoustic vibrations to the skin and ears of the individual.

Various embodiments provide a substantially dark space (e.g., created byan enclosure) which includes at least one light source for controllinglight emitted on to the individual. Moreover, such light may comprisewhite light or is separated into a spectrum of colors.

The environment of music and light may be balanced individually withrespect to a user substantially contained within the resonant enclosure.The environment of sound and light created therein producesphysiological responses in the individual which may specifically guideeither an operator or an automated control system to provide thosecombinations of frequencies of sound and light needed to causebeneficial autonomic responses in the individual. Hence, via thisfeedback process, the individual user effectively defines the specificsound and light environment appropriate for the user's exposure. Inother words, the frequency, intensity, and duration of sound and lightapplied to the user is determined by the user's body. The presentinvention tunes and adjusts the sound and light environment based on theuser's response.

A system is disclosed for creating an individually balanceableenvironment of sound and light, the system comprising a signalgenerator, at least one selectively energized transducer, at least oneselectively energized light source, and one or more controllers foradjusting the light source and the acoustical vibrations of thetransducer sufficient to elicit a desired autonomic nervous response.

In another embodiment of the system the transducer may be configured toselectively direct sound waves to a region of the user including theupper, center, and lower sections of the right and left side. In anotherembodiment of the invention one transducer or any of a plurality oftransducers may be separately controlled by an actuating switch,enabling sound to be directed to a specific region of the user's bodyand a light switch may be configured to control at least the intensityof the light source. The system may further comprise collections ofselected musical compositions.

The system may further include at least one attenuating barrier locatedbetween transducers arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinalcenterline. Additionally, the enclosure module may be tuned to a musicaltone.

In a further embodiment a monitor may be configured to monitor theresponse of the user to the applied light and sound. This may be donethrough direct observation of, for example, the user's eye movement. Themonitor may also monitor the autonomic nervous system of the user. Themonitor may be configured to measure changes in the user's heart beatthrough, for example, heart rate variation [“HRV”] techniques.

An apparatus for therapeutic light and sound is also presented. In oneembodiment the apparatus comprises a support structure comprising alongitudinal centerline and a top side for supporting a user, two ormore pairs of speakers arranged on the support structure fortransmitting acoustic vibrations selectively to a right side and a leftside of the user, wherein the speakers on the left side of the user arewired in series, and the speakers on the right side of the user arewired in series, at least one attenuating barrier located between thepair of speakers arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinalcenterline, at least one light source comprising visible light and oneor more controllers configured to adjust acoustical vibrations producedby the pairs of speakers and intensity of the light source such that theacoustic vibrations and the light source are coordinated totherapeutically stimulate the user; and a monitor configured to monitorat least one of the user's autonomic nervous system and the user'sresponse to the applied light and sound.

In a further embodiment apparatus further comprising an enclosure modulesurrounding the user. The enclosure may additionally comprise a resonantcavity configured to transmute applied acoustical vibrations to a lowerfrequency. The enclosure module may also be tuned to a musical tone of aC flat minor chord.

The speakers may be configured to operate between about 10 Hz and about25,000 Hz and the at least one light source may be configured to deliverlight to the user with a wavelength in a range from about 400 nanometersto about 800 nanometers. One or more reflective surfaces may bepositioned around the light source as separate surfaces or in a frameconfiguration.

An embodiment of a method for therapeutic light and sound, is alsopresented. The disclosed method comprises exposing a user to spectrallight and directed sound, the laterally directed sound produced by aplurality of transducers, wherein two or more of the plurality oftransducers are wired in parallel, and two or more of the plurality oftransducers are wired in series. The method may also include monitoringthe state of the user's autonomic nervous system and adjusting themanner of exposure sufficient to elicit a desired autonomic nervousresponse. In a further embodiment the method comprises transmittingacoustical vibrations specifically to a specific region of the user'sbody, for example the upper, middle, and lower region of the user'sright and left side. The method may further comprise the step enclosingthe user in a support module and the step of tuning the support moduleto a specific musical tone. Additionally, at least one eye of the usermay be enclosed in a substantially dark space coupled to a source ofvisible light.

A further embodiment may include the step of generating acousticalvibrations using a sound generator and the step of calibrating the soundfrequency to, for example, between about 10 Hz and about 30,000 Hz, orto the sympathetic resonance of specific body tissues. A further stepmay comprise separately controlling the sound generator and at least oneselectively energized light source using a controller.

The method may also include the step of monitoring one or both of theuser's response to the applied light and sound and the user's autonomicnervous system by means of an operator, a controller, or a monitor. In afurther step of either or both of the light and sound frequency may beadjusted according to the monitoring feedback. The adjustment may beperformed manually or automatically. In some cases the method mayinclude the step of monitoring the state of the user's autonomic nervoussystem either or both of before and after treatment. Adjustments in thefrequency and intensity of the light and sound may be calibrated to thestate of the autonomic nervous system of the user.

The operator, controller, and monitor may be embodied in a variety offorms, for example, an individual, an optical device such as a digitalcamera, a specifically designed device, or a software program running ona computer.

A means for delivering therapeutic light and sound to a user is alsopresented. In the disclosed embodiment the means may comprise a usersupport means, a sound generating means, at least one means forselectively directing sound to a specific region of the user's body, anenclosure means coupled to at least one selectively energized lightmeans, a means for controlling the frequency of the sound, a means forcontrolling at least the intensity of the light, a means forcommunicating with a user, a means for monitoring the response of theuser; and a means for feedback adjustment of at least one of theintensity and frequency of the light and sound.

In the various embodiments certain combinations of sound and light areapplied to a human or animal user within certain predetermined ranges,and adjusted based upon unique physiological responses (discussed ingreater detail below) from the user. In the case of humans, thecombinations of sound and light within the enclosure are balanced insuch a manner (also as later described herein) as to result in nearbalance of the parasympathetic and sympathetic elements of the nervoussystem of the being, as can be demonstrated in the case of humans by HRVmonitor readings before and after exposure of the human being to thebalanced environment of sound and light of the present invention.

Humans within this balanced environment frequently report feelings ofdestressing, wellness, inspiration, and creativity. Sometimes they alsoreport enhanced perceptions, such as lucid remote viewing, andoccasionally perceptions of out-of-body experiences. It is frequentlyobserved that toxins, such as heavy metals and anesthetics, begin to bespontaneously ejected from the individual's body exposed to thisenvironment, as observed by concurrent vapor odors and subsequenturinalysis. A common aftereffect of the exposure of an individual to thebalanced environment of music and light of the present invention appearsto be restoration of an innate ability of the individual to heal theself, apparently regardless of the nature of an affliction.

Specifically, humans exposed to the balanced environment of sound andlight of the present invention have reported subsequent spontaneoushealings of drug addiction, autism, multiple sclerosis, cancer, Type IIdiabetes, back pain, overweight, fibromyalgia, hypoglycemia, amnesia,scleroderma, eczema, migraines, seizures, allergies and a host of otherdiseases, all of which were previously medically diagnosed. Two dogsindividually exposed to the balanced environment of sound and light ofthe present invention were afterward observed to spontaneously recoverfrom an enlarged heart and cancerous tumors, respectively, both of whichwere previously medically diagnosed.

It is presently believed by many in the medical community that cellrepair for humans occurs in the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep state,which corresponds to a human brainwave state in the frequency range of 8Hz. Further, it is known that in the REM state release ofneurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin and histamine doesnot occur, but rather only occurs in higher frequency brainwave statessuch as non-REM sleep and waking states. Since release of suchneurotransmitters is required for enabling body movement and awarenessof one's environment, cell repair in humans is typically only occurringa small percentage of the time. Elevated human consciousness states,such as those involved with meditation and remote viewing, have beenobserved by several researchers to correspond to lower frequencybrainwave activity at and below 8 Hz. Meditative states are believed bymany to provide destressing and healing benefits to the meditator.During such elevated consciousness states, however, conscious awarenessof the environment is usually reduced.

It has been observed that, under the conditions of the balancedenvironment of sound and light of the present invention, humans tend toexhibit brainwave states encompassing frequencies at or below 8 Hz,while at the same time being capable of remaining fully conscious.Furthermore, such higher consciousness levels evidenced by such lowfrequency brainwave components tend to be sustained in the individual infully conscious states thereafter as an aftereffect of their exposure tothe balanced environment of sound and light of the present invention.While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believedthat healing aftereffects reported by individuals exposed to thebalanced environment of sound and light of the present invention are dueto continuing cell repair and neurogenesis capability enabled in theindividual by such higher consciousness states being sustainedthroughout both their waking and sleeping conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the invention brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsthat are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of asystem in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a photograph depicting one embodiment of an apparatus inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic line drawing depicting a cross-sectional view ofan apparatus for creating an individually balanceable environment ofsound and light in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective line drawing illustrating one embodiment aconfiguration for creating an individually balanceable environment ofsound and light in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a photograph of a light source in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective line drawing of reflective frame which may beused in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7 a, 7 b and 7 c show photographs of light patterns which resultat a series of different intensities when the light source is activatedin the reflective frame;

FIG. 8 is a perspective line drawing of an arrangement of lights thatmay be used in an embodiment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view of speaker locations in the support structure ofone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a wiring diagram showing the activation module for thetransducers and light source of the embodiment;

FIG. 11 depicts an EEG pattern for a human male subject prior toexposure to the balanced environment of sound and light of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 depicts an EEG pattern for the same male subject as in FIG. 10after 34 one-hour exposures to the balanced environment of sound andlight of the present invention;

FIG. 13 depicts an HRV monitor report for a human female subject priorto exposure to the balanced environment of sound and light of thepresent invention;

FIG. 14 depicts an HRV monitor report for the same female subject as inFIG. 13, after four one-hour exposures to the balanced environment ofsound and light of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment ofa method for creating an individually balanceable environment of soundand light in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating a furtherembodiment of a method for creating an individually balanceableenvironment of sound and light in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A number of the functional units described in this specification havebeen labeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize theirimplementation independence. Reference throughout this specification to“one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of thepresent invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,”“in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specificationmay, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details areprovided. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, thatthe invention can be practiced without one or more of the specificdetails, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. Inother instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are notshown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of theinvention.

In accordance with this invention, a system, apparatus, and methods forcreating an individually balanced environment of sound and light aredisclosed. Moreover, while environments of both sound and light havepreviously been employed for providing various beneficial effects uponan individual, the available technology has relied either upon thejudgment of a practitioner or accepted knowledge as to what frequenciesof sound and/or light should be applied to create a benefit. Theexisting art has lacked the means receive quantitative guidance from theunique responses of an individual user to applied sound and light.

Sound and light, however, do produce physiological responses in theindividual user, which could appropriately specifically guide either anoperator or a control system to provide those combinations offrequencies of sound and light needed to create benefits to the user.Hence, via this feedback process of the present invention, it is thecondition and responses of individual user that defines the specificsound and light environment for the user's exposure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of asystem 100 in accordance with the present invention. As depicted thesystem 100 comprises a user 102, an outside monitor 104, an enclosuremodule 106, a light source 108, a signal generator 110, a transducer112, a treatment monitor 114, and a controller 116.

The outside monitor 104 may be located away from the enclosure module106, and be used to monitor the autonomic nervous system of the user 102prior and subsequent to treatment. In one embodiment the outside monitor104 comprises an HRV monitor.

The treatment monitor 114 may be used in conjunction with treatment, tomonitor the response of the user 102 to the applied light and sound. Thecontroller 116 may adjust the light and sound according to feedbackreceived from the treatment monitor 114. In one embodiment, thetreatment monitor 114 and outside monitor 104 are combined in a singlemonitor that communicates light and sound feedback to the controller116.

Typically the light source 108 is located in a position that wouldcorrespond to being above the eyes of a typical user reclining upon thebottom side of the enclosure with their spine more or less aligned withsaid longitudinal centerline, although in some cases the user will bepositioned so that his or her feet are under the light source and theirhead is at the opposite end of the enclosure from the light source.

The system may also include a signal generator 110 for producingelectromagnetic signals for actuating the transducers so as to produceappropriate sound. The signal generator 110 may be any sort of devicethat generates an electrical output which may be converted intoappropriate acoustic vibrations. Examples of such types of signalgenerators include, but are not limited to, stereo systems, radioreceivers, phonographs, compact disc players, tape recorders andplayers, cable box decoders, satellite signal capturing devices,televisions, video cassette recorders, Internet connecting devices, etc.In some cases sound and vibrational frequencies (“response vibrations”)may be created within the device by nature of its design which are notdirectly accounted for by the transducer outputs; that is, harmonicsand/or beat frequencies may result from configurational and/or resonanceeffects associated with the device and therefore also be present within.

In a further embodiment the electromagnetic signals may comprise musicas depicted in table I. The musical selections may be organized intocollections of sufficient length for a treatment session and thecollections may be graded according to intensity. A user may typicallybegin with a lower intensity group and, according to condition andresponse, remain at that intensity or progress to groups of greaterintensity. The highest intensity groups may be reserved for extremesituations.

TABLE 1 Artist Album Title Publisher Aeoliah Angel Love Oreade MusicChuck Wild Liquid Mind III—Balance Chuck Wild Records Chuck Wild LiquidMind IV—Unity Chuck Wild Records Classical Relaxation Mozart with OceanSounds Direct Source Special Products, Inc. Deuter Reiki Hands of LightNew Earth Records Dr. Jeffrey Thompson Brainwave Suite Alpha TheRelaxation Company, Inc. Dr. Jeffrey Thompson Brainwave SuiteAlpha-Theta The Relaxation Company, Inc. Dr. Jeffrey Thompson BrainwaveSuite Theta The Relaxation Company, Inc. Dr. Jeffrey Thompson BrainwaveSuite Delta The Relaxation Company, Inc. Gerald Jay Markie CelestialMozart for Relaxation Astro Music Erin Jacobsen Feather on the Breath ofGod Serenity Music Inner Peace Life! Beats Metacom Music Keiron StainedGlass Cathedral Whispers Madwyn Goodall Medicine Woman II—The Gift NewWorld Music Limited Merlin's Magic Angel Symphony of Love and LightInner Worlds Music Merlin's Magic Chakra Meditation Music Inner WorldsMusic Merlin's Magic The Heart of Reike Inner Worlds Music MichaelMartin Murphy Cowboy Songs Steve Gibson Productions Paul MichaelMeredith The Luxury of Love Peter Sterling Heart and Soul Harp MagicMusic Real Music Land of Forever 2002 Real Music Publishing Real MusicTranquility—A Real Music Sampler Real Music Publishing Real MusicWrapped in the Stillness— Real Music Publishing A Pause in the Veil ofTime Real Music Letting the World Go By Real Music Publishing Real MusicChrysalis Real Music Publishing Robin Miler Transcendence R.M.Productions Steven Halpern Spectrum Suite Steven Halpern's Inner PeaceMusic Steven Halpern Gifts of the Angels Steven Halpern's Inner PeaceMusic

In many cases only part of a musical selection may be used, such as asingle track, or even part of a track. Further, combinations of soundsor acoustic outputs from the music contained in Table 1 can bereplicated, at least in part, by various acoustic generators (e.g.,synthesizers, recording devices which are capable of screening outcertain characteristics, etc.).

The physiologic responses occur at various combinations of sound (e.g.,particular selections of music play at particular intensities throughtransducers or speakers) and light (e.g., particular frequencies,intensities and/or patterns) to which a user is exposed. For example,desirable music which can be used to at least partially create abalanced environment of sound and light includes, but is not limited to,the musical selections listed in Table 1. Specific musical selectionsare chosen and varied depending upon physiological response to a givenselection. The musical selections, sound intensity, and light sourcesettings appropriate to achieving balance in one individual arefrequently not effective in achieving balance in another individual;hence these parameters are varied as necessary to achieve balance witheach individual user. Appropriate musical selections, sound intensity,and light source settings seem to depend upon characteristics of theindividual such as physical density, personal history, state of health,etc. As could be noted by analyzing the musical selections listed asexamples in Table 1, the repertoire includes a wide range of frequenciesand sound patterns.

FIG. 2 is a photograph depicting one embodiment of a enclosure module106 in accordance with the present invention. As depicted, the enclosuremodule 106 comprises a folding front wall 202, a back wall 204, an endwall 206, a support structure 208, a top 210, a light source 108, and areflective frame 212.

In the depicted embodiment the front wall 202 is divided into twosections, each of which is further divided into at least two sectionsand provided with an attachment means for bending or swinging on avertical axis. Each of the two outside ends of the divided front wall202 is movably attached at to the corresponding end wall 206. Thisallows the front wall 202 to close during use and to open allowing auser to enter and exit. The top 208 is movably attached to the back wall204 for ease of use. A light source 108 is mounted on the underside ofthe top 208 and is surrounded by reflective frame 212. The supportstructure 208 supports the user.

The lower surface of the top 201 may be made of three-quarter inch thickfir plywood, covered on its lower surface by navy blue cotton sheetmaterial, except for that portion where the light source 100 and itsassociated reflector 104 are exposed to the inside of the device. In afurther embodiment the enclosure module may comprise a resonant cavityconfigured to resonate to specific acoustical wavelengths. The resonantcavity may further be tuned to a specific musical tone, for example cflat minor. In particular embodiments, the resonant cavity is configuredto transmute accoustical vibrations to lower frequencies. While thesound produced directly by the transducers is typically 30 Hz and higherin frequencies, lower frequency response vibrations may besimultaneously created within the enclosure 106 in response to soundfrom the transducers by virtue of the design of the enclosure.

In the depicted embodiment an enclosure 106 is formed by a combinationof the elements that together in a closed configuration form asubstantially dark space such that the substantially dark space may besufficiently large to accommodate a user. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, the enclosure 106 would provide an acousticresonating layer attached to the inside vertical surfaces of theenclosure. Such layer may be constructed of three-eighths of an inchthick by two inch wide soft white pine tongue and groove segmentsinstalled vertically and covering the inside of the back wall 204, thefront doors 202, and the end walls 206.

In another embodiment, the enclosure 106 could be covered outside with alight absorbing material rendering the enclosure substantially opaque tolight transmission. In various embodiments the enclosure 106 may be ofany size including of sufficient size to enclose the user. Examples ofenclosures that can form a substantially dark space include cavities androoms from which light can be substantially excluded. However, it mustbe remembered that the enclosure 106 is designed to be a tunedenclosure, preferably designed to resonate in the range of the musicaltone c flat minor, and therefore should be of dimensions and materialsconsistent with that characteristic.

In the depicted embodiment the front wall 202 of the enclosure 106 issegmented into two two-part doors 202, each with a pivoting means towardthe center, so that the wall can be folded open to the sides therebyforming a convenient access port through which the user can may enterand exit the enclosure 106. Other access ports may be created in theenclosure 106, for example through the support 208 if there is room, orthrough ends 206, or through top 201, etc. In further embodiments, acommunication system may be provided so that the user and a personoutside the system may communicate.

FIG. 3 is a non-limiting schematic line drawing illustrating a cut-awayend view of one embodiment of an apparatus 300 for creating anindividually balanced environment of light and sound according to thepresent invention. As depicted, the apparatus 300 comprises theenclosure module 106, the front wall 202, the back wall 204, the endwalls 206, the support structure 208, the top 210, the light source 108,the reflective frame 212, a vent 302, transducers 304 a mat 306, and alongitudinal centerline 308.

The enclosure module 106 of the apparatus 300 may include a supportstructure 208 having a longitudinal centerline, a top side, and a bottomside for supporting a user; at least two transducers 304 arranged onopposite sides of the longitudinal centerline for producing acousticalvibrations substantially directed to the right side and left side of theuser, respectively, and at least one variably energized light source 108coupled to the otherwise substantially dark space for transmitting lightto the user. The mat 306 may placed on the top side of the supportstructure 208 for cushioning the user and transmitting acoustical wavesto the right side and left side of the user's body. Sound generators ortransducers 304 may be arranged for separately transmitting acousticvibrations to the right side and left side of the user.

The support 208 should be large enough to support the user and ofsufficient strength to remain substantially rigid when subjected to theuser's weight. Examples of materials that can be used for the supportinclude, but are not limited to, wood, sound board, plywood, particleboard, composite insulation board, plastic, glass, Plexiglas,fiberglass, metal, stone, marble, etc. Preferably the support materialwould be made of three-quarter inch thick fir plywood and would providea sound insulating material such as polyurethane foam that could beattached to the upper surface of the support material. Such insulatingmaterial serves as a sound equalizer transmitting sound and vibration tothe user. Also, the supporting material would preferably besubstantially opaque to light transmission, and the insulation orinsulating material would be covered with a light absorbing materialsuch as a tan or pink cotton sheet.

The acoustic vibrations produced by each of the transducers 304 may bedirected upward through a mat 306 towards either the right side or leftside of a user. Typically such vibrations will include some in the rangeof 50 Hz, among others. The mat 306 may be of any porous material whichallows the sound and response vibrations to reach the user. Examples ofsome types of material that the mat may be composed of include, but arenot limited to, polyethylene foam, sponge, cotton, and other foamrubbers and plastics, etc. The mat 306 may also have a covering thatdoes not substantially attenuate the sound and response vibrations. Inone embodiment of the present invention the mat 306 consists offour-inch thick open cell polyurethane foam compressible to a minimum ofone-half inch thickness, sized to approximately match the inside lengthand width of the device shown in FIG. 1. A preferred covering for themat 306 is a pink or tan cotton sheet. The mat 306 provides a cushion onwhich the user may lay, preferably on their back, with the midline ofthe body of the user substantially between the right and lefttransducers.

The light source 108 may be located in a position that corresponds to alevel above the eyes of a typical user reclining upon support structure208 of the enclosure 106 with the spine more or less aligned with saidlongitudinal centerline 308. Nevertheless, in some cases the user may bepositioned so that his or her feet are under the light source and his orher head is at the opposite end of the enclosure from the light source.

The enclosure 106 may also have a temperature moderation and/orventilation device attached at a vent 302. Such temperature moderationand/or ventilation devices include, but are not limited to, for example,a fan, a heater and an air conditioner. A ventilation feature is usefulin view of the detoxing that often occurs in the employment of thepresent invention, and is included in one embodiment of this inventionin the form of a fan and ductwork and designed to quietly exhaust anyodors from the device. The vent 302 may be inserted in an end wall 206or in other location that can accommodate a fan as a temperaturemoderation and/or ventilation device. Such devices may be mounted orequipped with light baffles to prevent unnecessary light from enteringthe substantially dark space.

FIG. 4 is a non-limiting perspective line drawing illustrating oneembodiment of a configuration for creating an individually balancedenvironment of light and sound in accordance with the present invention.As depicted, the configuration comprises the enclosure module 106, thesupport structure 208, having a longitudinal center line 406corresponding to a position of element 308 in FIG. 3, a signal generator110, an output 400, a support member 402, a skirt 404, a plurality ofsound transducers 304, and an attenuating barrier 410.

In the depicted embodiment the support member 402 stabilizes the supportstructure 208. Signals originating in the signal generator 110 may betransmitted via the output 400 to the transducers 304, which arepositioned under areas of the support structure 208 corresponding tospecific regions of the body of a user reclining on the supportstructure. The skirt 404 may help to contain the sound.

In various embodiments the support member 402 may be a single solid baseor column, may be at least two supporting members or may be a pluralityof four or more supporting members. In a further embodiment the supportmember may be mounted on movable wheels. The skirt 404, as well as otherstructural elements of the enclosure 106 may be constructed of a varietyof materials including three-quarter inch thick particle boardeverywhere surfaced with one-thirty secondth of an inch thick formicaattached thereto on those particular structural components of thedevice.

The signal generator 110 may have outputs 400 that are connected to thetransducers 304 and may include either an internal or external amplifierto actuate the transducers. The signal generator 408 may be placedanywhere, including, for example on the top 210 of the enclosure 106 anda covering unit may be made to cover the signal generator 110.

At least two transducers 304 may be arranged on opposite sides of thelongitudinal centerline 308. The longitudinal centerline 308, as definedfor the purposes of this invention, corresponds to the right and leftsides of a user in a reclined position within the enclosure, which mayor may not correspond to the exact centerline of support. Thetransducers 304 corresponding to the right side of the user are alsoknown as the right transducers 304A and the transducers 304corresponding to the left side of the user are also known as the lefttransducers 304B.

The attenuating barrier 410 may be located along the longitudinalcenterline of the support structure 208, separating the speakerspositioned to the right and to the left of the center and directing thesound specifically to the right or left side (region) of the user.Attenuating barriers 410 may also be located between sets of speakers insuch a way as to localize the delivery of sound to a particular segmentof the right or left side of the user.

Controls for the signal generator and the actuating switches may beaccessible to the user or may be controlled outside the substantiallydark space 45. Preferably, the right transducer, or transducers 304A,and the left transducer, or transducers 304B, may be proportionallycontrolled, providing yet one more adjustment which may be useful inachieving an individually balanced environment. An example ofproportional control is the ability to balance or imbalance inputsbetween the right transducer, or transducers 304A, and the lefttransducer or transducers 304B. More preferably, the right transducer,or transducers 304A, as a set, and the left transducer, or transducers304B, as a set, may be independently controlled using separate controls.Most preferably, each transducer 304 may be independently controlledusing a separate control. In another embodiment the light or lights maybe selectively energized for duration and light intensity by anactuating switch.

FIG. 5 is a non-limiting photograph of a light source in accordance withthe present invention. An incandescent bulb is depicted, but the lightsource may alternatively comprise a fluorescent light, a displayterminal, simulated sunlight, a plasma screen, light emitting diodes,spectral arrays, other light source, and combinations thereof.

The light source may be configured to deliver light to the user with awavelength in the range from about 400 nanometers to about 800nanometers. In a one embodiment of the invention, the light sourceconsists of a 40-watt incandescent light bulb manufactured by SpecialF/X Lighting, Inc., Hurricane, Utah and known as “The Amazing RainbowLight” and designated A-19. Such a light bulb has spectral color bandsapplied to the surface of the bulb perpendicular to its axis ofsymmetry, as shown in FIG. 4. The light source 100 may be a white lightsource to simulate sunlight, provided that it is somehow separated intospectral colors using coatings, a prism or other means. Alternatively,the light source or sources may produce a spectral range of coloredlight by using a combination of individually colored lights or by usingcolored filters.

Separation of spectral colors in the light source(s) utilized appears tobe important to cueing the physiological responses described herein asthe basis upon which adjustments are made to the sound and lightenvironment so as to achieve balance with respect to the individual. Thebalance which is achieved appears to have the effect of correcting anyimbalance in the sympathetic and parasympathetic elements of theautonomic nervous system of the individual, as demonstrable by beforeand after data taken on the individual using an ANSAR ANX 3.0 Heart RateVariability monitor.

FIG. 6 is a non-limiting perspective line drawing of an embodiment ofthe one or more reflective surfaces that may be positions around thelight source. In the depicted embodiment the reflective surfacescomprise a reflective frame 212 which may be used in an embodiment ofthe present invention. The reflective surfaces direct the light towarddistinct portions of the user's body. As depicted, the reflective frame212 comprises a top 602, a hole 604 to admit the light source 212,angled sides 606, and an open end 608.

In one embodiment of the invention, the six-sided mirrored reflector 212is constructed as shown in FIG. 6. The reflector may be made, forexample, out of one-quarter inch thick glass plate, mirrored either onthe second or the first surface, such as by aluminum evaporation.Alternatively, for example, the reflector could be made out of polishedmetal, such as polished aluminum, optically clear-coated to preventcorrosion.

The depicted dimensions of the reflector 212 were selected based uponsizing the reflector to be particularly effective with eye spacingstypical of the average human being. If beings with much smaller or muchlarger eye spacings were being processed in the device, appropriatelysmaller or larger reflector dimensions would be preferable.

The light created within the enclosure is generated by the light bulbshown in FIG. 5 and reflector assembly shown in FIG. 6. The light isactivated by a Crendenzo Lamp Dimmer Slider, Model #TT800. The CredenzoLamp Dimmer Slider assembly has ten (10) equidistant settings identifiedthat have been added to it by marking on it, which, when used inconjunction with the light bulb shown in FIG. 4, generates the output(i.e., electrical input to the bulb) data shown in Table 2.

Particular power settings for light inputs are shown in Table 2. Forexample, if the first set of light and sound frequencies and intensities(e.g., amplitudes or volumes) elicits a particular response orcombination of responses in an individual, then a gradual transition toa second set of light and/or sound frequencies may occur resulting inthe same individual showing another similar physiologic response orcombination of responses in response to the second set or range of lightand/or sound frequencies.

TABLE 2 Slider Setting Voltage Amps Off 0 0.00 Low-Low 9 0.08 Med-Low 170.11 High-Low 24 0.12 Low-Med 30 0.14 Med-Med 38 0.15 High-Med 44 0.17Low-High 58 0.20 Med-High 80 0.23 High-High 116 0.30

FIGS. 7 a, 7 b and 7 c show non-limiting photographs of light patternswhich result at a series of different intensities when the light sourceis activated in the reflective frame 212. FIG. 7 a depicts the view thata user lying under the reflector would see with the Dimmer Slider on aHigh-High setting. FIG. 7 b depicts the view that a user would see withthe Dimmer Slider setting on medium. FIG. 9 c depicts the view with theDimmer Slider set on Low-Low.

FIG. 8 is a non-limiting perspective line drawing illustrating oneembodiment including multiple light sources 108 for creating anindividually balanced environment of light and sound according to thepresent invention. In the depicted embodiment the six light sources 108attached to the top 210 of the enclosure 106. The lights may each beenclosed in a six-sided reflective frame 212.

The light source or sources 108 produce light that is visible to theuser's eyes and accessible to a lesser extent to the user's body,including, but not limited to, colors in the range of red, orange,yellow, violet, blue and green. The wavelengths of the light utilizedare generally between 400 nanometers and 800 nanometers. The lightsource, or light sources, are coupled to the otherwise substantiallydark space by placing the light source, or light sources, anywherewithin the substantially dark space or the light may be transmitted bytransmitting light into the substantially dark space by some method,such as, for example, fiber optics. The light source, or sources 108 maybe mounted in the top 210 of the enclosure 106 so that light reaches theotherwise substantially dark space.

The light sources may be mounted above the user in a position normallyanticipated to be directly above the eyes of the user when the user isin a reclining position within the light and sound environment.Alternatively, the light sources may be mounted along the extent of thelongitudinal center of the top 210, as shown, or in otherconfigurations. Further, the light source or light sources 108 may becontrolled individually or in groups by actuating switches. Theactuating switch may vary the intensity and/or duration of the variablyenergized light or light sources. In a further embodiment, each lightsource 108 has a separate actuating switch for varying the light sourceintensity.

FIG. 9 is a non-limiting schematic of the arrangement of transducers(speakers) that may be used in an embodiment in accordance with thepresent invention. As depicted, the arrangement comprises a largetransducer 902, a medium transducer 904, a small transducer 906, and atransducer set 908. Each transducer emits acoustic vibrations about therange of human auditory response. Light and sound vibrations can bedefined by either the frequency or wavelength. In one embodiment thesound frequency range produced by the transducers is from about 10 Hz toabout 25,000 Hz, and more specifically sound frequency produced may befrom about 30 Hz to about 20,000 Hz. The transducers are also known asspeakers. For example, individual speakers may be full range speakers ormay produce frequencies of a limited range. The transducers may beelectro-mechanical in nature. Limited range speakers are sometimesreferred to as sub-woofers, woofers, mid-range and tweeters. In thedepicted embodiment, the speakers (transducers) used were as follows:

TABLE 3 SPEAKERS Small Speakers 20t: Panasonic CJ-DC101 (Tweeter)Impedence 0.4 Norm 20—Peak SBASS4—600 Hz Medium size speakers 20mr:MTX6522 (Mid-range) Coaxial 75 watt peak power SBASS2—300 Hz Large 8″speakers 20w: Rockford 1.5 voice coil (Woofer) fosgate Punch 200 W max 4ohms

In the depicted embodiment the transducers 304 (i.e., comprisingindividual sets 908 of three (3) speakers, each set comprising one smallspeaker 20 t (tweeter) 906, one medium size speaker 20 mr (mid-range)904 and one large speaker 20 w (woofer) 902, may be located on theopposite sides of the longitudinal centerline 308 and may be separatedby an attenuating barrier 410 placed between the transducers. Thetransducers 304 may be placed in groups of two or three or can be placedindividually. At least one attenuating barrier 410 may be provided toreduce transmission of acoustical waves between the transducers 304 onopposite sides of the longitudinal centerline 308. Attenuating barriers410 may also be placed between groups of or between individualtransducers 304 on the same side. In a further embodiment an attenuatinghousing may be formed by fully enclosing the transducers 304, either ingroups or individually.

In the depicted embodiment eighteen transducers 304 are grouped in sixsets 908 of three attached to the bottom side of the support structure208. The sets 908 of three transducers may be separated by attenuatingbarriers 410 which may form attenuating housings. The transducers 304may be placed either above, below or mounted within the supportstructure 208. The transducers 304 may be attached to the supportstructure 208. The transducers 304 may be either attached to the topside, the bottom side, or set within the body of the enclosure 106.

If the transducers 304 are attached to the bottom of the supportstructure 208, then an acoustical transmitter should be used if thesupport does not substantially transmit the acoustic vibrations. Such anacoustical transmitter may be, for example, a plurality of holes in thesupport, a single opening in the support, or some frequency transmittingmaterial in the support corresponding to the location of thetransducers.

One example of the acoustical transmitter 26 may be an opening or holesthat correspond to the removal of material in any shape and extendingfrom the bottom side 208 of the support that allows for the transmissionof the acoustic vibrations. For example the openings or holes may removematerial in the shapes of cubes, parallelepipeds, spheres, pyramids,cones, cylinders, etc. A second type of acoustical transmitter may be afrequency transmitting material that may replace the opening or holes toallow for the transmission of the acoustic vibrations.

The sound created within the enclosure is generated by the transducers304 which are actuated by the components shown in Table 4. While thesound produced directly by the transducers is typically 30 Hz and higherin frequencies, preliminary measurements indicate that lower frequencyresponse vibrations are simultaneously created within the device inresponse to sound from the transducers by virtue of the design of thedevice of the present invention. For example, a thirty second segment oftrack 6 from Erin Jacobsen's album, “Feather on the Breath of God”, wasmeasured and found to contain no frequencies lower than 40 Hz, yet atthe same time as transducers introduced this music into the deviceseveral frequencies less than 10 Hz were detected to be present withinthe device. Typically in operation sound frequencies in the range of 3or 4 Hz appear to be created within the device by the introduction ofmusical tracks ranging from 30 to 20,000 Hz.

FIG. 10 is a non-limiting wiring diagram showing on embodiment of theactivation module 1000 for the transducers 20 and light source 100 ofthe embodiment. As depicted the activation module 1000 comprises thelight source 108, large transducer 902, medium transducer 904, smalltransducer 906, transducer set 908, signal generator 408, receiver 1002,amplifier 1004, throughput 400, light control 1006, power strip 1008,and power cords 1010. Table 4 sets for the specifications for thedepicted embodiment.

TABLE 4 1. Optimus SSM-1200 Stereo Sound Mixer with 7 band equalizer,manufactured by Radio Shack. Input Impedance: MIC 1, 2 (XLR Jack)—0.5 mV600 ohms (Low) MIC 2 (Phone Jack)—1 mV 600 Ohms (Low) MIC 1, 2 (PhoneJack—2.5 mV 10 kOhms (High) CD/Line (CD 1, CH 2, CH 3, CH 4)—120 mV 27kOhms PHONO (CH 1, CH 2, CH 3, CH 4)—2 mV 50 kOhms Output Level:Recorder Out/Main Out—0.775 V (0 dB)/1.5 V (6 dB) Frequency Response—20Hz-20 kHz +/− 1 dB Distortion: MIC—<0.5% CD/Line—<0.05% Phono—<0.08% S/NRatio: MIC—50 dB CD/Line—65 dB Phono—60 dB Equalizer: ControlFrequency—60 Hz, 150 Hz, 400 Hz, 1 kHz, 2.4 Khz, 6 kHz, 6 kHz, 15 kHzBooster/Cut Range—+/−12 dB at Center Talkover Attenuation—−12 dBEcho—BBD System Delay Time—30 mS-200 mS with Echo Power Source—AC 120V/60 Hz 2. Optimus MPA-250 Stereo Public Address Amplifier, manufacturedby Radio Shack. Input Impedance: −20 kOhms Continuous Output Power:Stereo at 1 kHz-125 Watts × 2 (8 Ohms) Stereo at 1 kHz-175 Watts × 2 (4Ohms) Bridged at 20 Hz to 20 kHz - 250 Watts (8 Ohms) Bridged at 1 kHz:−350 Watts (8 Ohms) Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.1% at 80 WattsFrequency Response (10 Hz-50 kHz): +/−3 dB Input Sensitivity: 0.775 VSignal-to-Noise Ratio: 90 dB (A-weighted) Speaker Impedance: A, B (4-16Ohms) A + B (8-16 Ohms) Bridged (8-16 Ohms) Power Requirement: 120 VAC.60 Hz 3. RCA Professional Stereo Receiver - Model #STAV 3880. ContinuousPower Output Rating Front—100 W per channel (1 kHz, 0.8%. 8Ω) Center—100W (1 kHz, 0.8%. 8Ω) Surround—100 W per channel (1 kHz, 0.8%. 8Ω) Input(Sensitivity/Impedance)—200 mV/47 kΩ Frequency Response: −5 Hz to100,000 Hz dB Output (Level/Impedance: −200 mV/2.2 kΩ Tone ControlBass—+/−6 dB (100 Hz) Treble—+/−6 dB (10 kHz) Loudness—+/−9 dB/+9 dB(100 HZ/10 kHz) Signal-to-Noise Ratio—96 dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio [E1A]at 1 W (1 kHz): −79 dB 4. Optimus CD-7200/7250 Compact Disc AutomaticChanger - Model #CD7250, manufactured by Radio Shack. Audio FrequencyResponse: −2 Hz to 20 kHz Dynamic Range: −95 dB or More (EIAJ)Signal-to-Noise Ratio: −98 dB or More (EIAJ) Harmonic Distortion:−0.005% or Less (EIAJ) Wow and Flutter: −Limit of Measurement (+/−0.001%or Less (EIAJ) General Disc Diameter: −5-Inch (12 cm) PowerRequirements—120 V AC, 60 Hz Power Consumption—10 Watts

-   -   All of the above components and the transducers 20 were        connected together as shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 depicts an EEG pattern for a human male subject prior toexposure to the balanced environment of sound and light of the presentinvention. The depicted case concerns a human male subject sixty-fouryears of age. FIG. 11 shows an awake and fully conscious state of thissubject before exposure to the balanced environment of sound and lightof the present invention, as measured by electroencephalograph (EEG).(Numerous EEGs of this same subject taken in awake and fully consciousstates before such exposure showed the FIG. 11 EEG to be typical forsuch conditions for this subject).

FIG. 12 depicts an EEG pattern for the same male subject as in FIG. 11after 34 one-hour exposures to the balanced environment of sound andlight of the present invention. The depicted EEG pattern was takenduring an awake and fully conscious state of the same individual afterthirty-four separate one hour exposures to the balanced environment ofsound and light of the present invention, also as measured by EEG, andbelieved also to be typical of his awake and fully conscious brainwavestate following such exposures. Of particular note in FIG. 12 is theongoing presence with the individual of low frequency brainwave activitynormally associated with elevated consciousness states. This individualhas reported progressive healing improvement in medically-diagnosedconditions of diabetes and diabetic neuropathy during the period of ayear over which the thirty-four exposures have occurred.

FIG. 13 depicts an HRV monitor report for a human female subject priorto exposure to the balanced environment of sound and light of thepresent invention. FIG. 13 is the multiparameter graphic report outputfrom an ANSAR ANX 3.0 HRV monitor for this subject immediately prior toany exposure to the balanced environment of sound and light of thepresent invention. The FIG. 13 report demonstrates major imbalance inthe autonomic nervous system of the subject at that time, showingparasympathetic activity (per Deep Breathing Chart) of only 0.51compared with sympathetic activity (per Valsalva chart) of 9.27, both ofwhich are lower than expected respective activity for a healthy femalereference subject of the same age (shown as shaded graphs on thoserespective charts). At that time the subject had been medicallydiagnosed for the previous five years as having hypertension (high bloodpressure) and was being treated by drug therapy for the condition.

FIG. 14 is an HRV monitor report for the same female subject as in FIG.13, after four one-hour exposures to the balanced environment of soundand light of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a similar report from theHRV monitor for the same individual after eight one hour exposures tothe balanced environment of sound and light of the present inventionwhich occurred over a forty-three day interval. By the end of thisperiod all medications had been discontinued as unnecessary for thissubject. The FIG. 14 report shows parasympathetic activity increased to8.44 and sympathetic activity increased to 12.04 on the respectivecharts. Both values evidence closer correspondence to expected activityfor a healthy subject and a closer degree of balance of the autonomicnervous system following such exposure. The charts in FIGS. 13 and 14show that after eight exposures the subject evidenced normal bloodpressure (no hypertension) without medication as compared with somewhathigher BP values when previously on medication.

FIG. 15 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment ofa method 1500 for an individually balanceable environment of sound andlight in accordance with the present invention. As depicted, the methodcomprises the steps of exposing 1510 a user to spectral light andlaterally directed sound, monitoring 1512 the user, and adjusting 1514the manner of exposure sufficient to elicit a desired autonomic nervousresponse.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the method of creating anindividually balanced environment of sound and light comprises the stepsof: supporting a user on a support structure having a top side andincluding at least one right transducer arranged below the user's bodycorresponding to the user's right side and having at least one lefttransducer arranged below the user's body corresponding to the user'sleft side; transmitting acoustical vibrations from right transducerssubstantially to the right side of the user's body and simultaneouslytransmitting acoustical vibrations from the left transducerssubstantially to the left side of the user's body; providing anenclosure for forming a substantially dark space for the user; andcoupling at least one variably energized light source to the otherwisesubstantially dark space for transmitting light to user.

Optionally, multiple light sources can be utilized, but they should beindividually adjustable for intensity, and may be positioned along thelongitudinal centerline of the enclosure, shining down on the user fromthe inside surface of the top of the enclosure. For example, six suchlight sources could be utilized, one located over the eyes of the user,one over the feet, and the other four distributed evenly between them,as shown in FIG. 8.

The sound inputs and light inputs are then individually adjusted tocause a very particular physiologic response (or combination ofresponses) from the user. These physiologic responses can be observed byan individual operator through a viewing slit or port to the outside ofthe device. The operator then adjusts, for example, levels of soundand/or light within certain predetermined ranges; or such response(s)can be observed by various types of monitoring devices such as low-lightcameras, infrared cameras, electrodes connected to various portion of auser's body, etc., and thereafter controlling the sound and light inputsusing a computer control (e.g., by software programming). For example,outputs of such monitoring devices can then be digitized to permitautomatic adjustment or tuning of the light/sound environment based onthe observed physiologic response(s).

The sound and/or light inputs are individually adjusted 1530 for eachuser by utilizing a series of procedures which occur in specificsequences, which procedures differ from individual-to-individual basedon the observed physiologic responses from an individual when suchindividual is exposed to a first predetermined set of light and soundfrequencies and intensities. For example, if the first set of light andsound frequencies and intensities (e.g., amplitudes or volumes) elicitsa particular response or combination of responses in an individual, thena gradual transition to a second set of light and/or sound frequenciesmay occur resulting in the same individual showing another similarphysiologic response or combination of responses in response to thesecond set or range of light and/or sound frequencies. These responsesindicate the current state of the autonomic nervous system.

Some of the particular physiologic response(s) that are being sought andobserved as a function of changing light and/or sound inputs aredescribed with particularity immediately following.

Medical science has observed and classified a number of eye disorderswhich involves involuntary movement of the eyes generally as“nystagmus”. Specifically, the term “nystagmus” is almost alwaysassociated with an involuntary oscillation of the eye(s). Types of“physiologic nystagmus” include end-point or eccentric-gaze nystagmus,vestibular nystagmus and optokinetic nystagmus. There are alsoparticular infantile-onset nystagmus conditions known as congenitalnystagmus and infantile nystagmus syndrome, which include: congenitalperiodic alternating nystagmus (related disorders include strabismus,albinism, optic nerve hypoplasia, anirdia, retinal dystrophies(including cone dystrophies)); latent/manifest latent nystagmus(fusional maldevelopment nystagmus syndrome); and spasmus nutans(spasmus nutans snydrome).

Further, there are also many known “acquired nystagmus” conditionsincluding: see-saw nystagmus; periodic alternating nystagmus; downbeatnystagmus; upbeat nystagmus; gaze-enhanced nystagmus; vestibularnystagmus; etc.

Detailed reference is made to the various nystagmus conditions becausevarious of these eye movements (and derivatives thereof) can occur inindividuals exposed to the light and sound environments created by thepresent invention while they are within said environments. However, someeye movements not listed above also occur. These eye movements mayactually be caused by eyeball movements which result in the movement of,for example, eyelashes, eyebrows, eyelids, etc. Moreover, it is possiblethat certain movements around the eyelash area may not involve directmovement of eyeballs at all, and may occur on their own (e.g., eyelashesand/or eyelids may move without the eyeballs actually moving).

The present invention teaches that by starting with known music at knownintensities combined with known light sources at known intensities andthen modifying the known light source to adjust it to another range ofintensities followed by, or similar with, adjustments in intensity ofknown music, then physiologic responses involving, for example, the eye,eyelid, eyelash and/or eyebrow, can be observed. The specificphysiologic responses sought by the aforementioned adjustments to lightand sound sources is a quieting or stopping of involuntary movement inand around the eyes, with the eyeballs ultimately pointing in a forwarddirection while they are substantially static. This indicates a balancedstate of the autonomic nervous system. When this condition is achieved,the environment of sound and light of the present invention isindividually balanced to the user.

It has been noted with the present invention that eye movements asdescribed above are not random, in the sense that they provide specificclues as to physical or emotional disharmonies present with theindividual. For example, an involuntary right eye movement responsemight involve the eye pointing down and to the left, indicating anaffliction in the individual's lower left quadrant. (The eyes seem tocorrespond to issues with the opposing half of the body: for example,involuntary right eye movements appear to relate to issues with the leftside of the body). Experience gained with such indicators correlatingthem with specific afflictions can be used in the present invention as ameans of diagnosis, if desired.

In certain cases it may prove impossible to individually balance theenvironment of sound and light to the user when the user is reclining inthe typical position wherein his or her eyes are beneath a solitarylight source within the enclosure. This circumstance appears to occurwith individuals of reversed polarity, such as is the case with certainindividuals with hormonal problems. In such cases the environment ofsound and light of the present invention can be balanced to the user ifthe user's orientation is reversed within the device in the firstexposure session, such that his or her feet are beneath the solitarylight source. In such case such user's feet will provide thephysiological responses necessary to determine when balance has beenachieved. When the environment is yet unbalanced, such user's feet willtend to be somewhat rigid and pointed directly upward, and the toes willtend to be curled. When the environment becomes balanced, their feetwill tend to relax forward or to the sides, and the toes will relax aswell. After a first session of being balanced in this reversed position,the environment will normally be able to be balanced thereafter with theuser in the typical position wherein his or her eyes are beneath thelight source.

The monitor 114 or controller 116 may communicate with the user throughvarious access ports, or through mechanical or electronic methods. Otherexamples of mechanical and electrical methods of communication systemsare also feasible, such as two-way intercoms, etc. The sound and/orlight inputs are individually adjusted for each user by utilizing aseries of procedures which occur in specific sequences, which proceduresdiffer from individual-to-individual based on the observed physiologicresponses from the individual when such individual is first exposed to apredetermined set of light and sound frequencies and intensities.

In certain cases the device of the present invention may be operated ina partially open condition, such as with a side access door partially orcompletely open. This usually occurs in response to fears such asclaustrophobia on the part of certain users. An arm of the user mayextend out of this opening, for example, in the case of an uneasy childwanting to hold the hand of a parent outside the device. While operatingthe device in this partially open condition is not optimal, the deviceremains effective enough to be worthwhile, and after some balancing isachieved the uneasiness on the part of the user usually subsides so thatsubsequent operation can revert to a fully closed, more effectivecondition.

The present invention may also employ a controller to control the signalgenerator or generators, one or more light sources, or both. Thecontroller may be either a specifically designed device or a generalpurpose computer employing a software program to control delivery of thesound and light to the user. In another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the controller may control any combination of thelights or the right and left transducers.

FIG. 16 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating a furtherembodiment of a method 1600 for an individually balanceable environmentof light and sound in accordance with the present invention. Asdepicted, the method 1600 comprises the steps of tuning 1602 theenclosure, monitoring 1604 the user, introducing 1606 the user into theenclosure, generating 1608 sound of a calibrated frequency, generating1610 light of a calibrated frequency, exposing 1510 a user tocoordinated, calibrated light and sound; monitoring 1520 the user,adjusting 1530 the coordinated light and sound, removing 1612 the userfrom the enclosure; and monitoring 1614 the user.

In the depicted embodiment, a tuned enclosure is provided and anindividual living being (e.g. a human, animal, bird, reptile, fish,etc.) is placed substantially therein. The individual may first havebeen monitored 1604 for autonomic nervous system activity and balance,using a technique such as HRV.

An individual is located within the enclosure such that the head of theindividual is positioned substantially directly below the six-sidedmirrored reflector 104. Certain combinations of sound and light are thenapplied within certain predetermined ranges therein, and adjusted basedupon unique physiological responses of the living being.

The first musical selection, for example, Erin Jacobsen's “Feather onthe Breath of God”, is cued to play. The power setting for the sound maybe set to be within a range of medium to low-high. The initial settingsfor the light begin between low-high and high-high, as defined in Table2. The music album selection, “Feather on the Breath of God” begins toplay on its first track and the operator begins to observe the behaviorof the eyes, eyelids, eyebrows, and the area around the eyes of theuser.

The first step after observing the behavior of the user's eye area is,typically, to adjust downward the power level settings on the sliderdevice controlling the light source from the initial range down toward asecond rage of medium-high, medium-low, as defined in Table 2. Thisprocess of reducing the intensity of light within the enclosure isaccomplished over about one to two minutes. Typically, the onlyadjustment in this first stage is a light adjustment. The operator is atall times observing the user's eyes (and eye areas) in an attempt toquiet any observed movement. In this regard, the eyeballs themselves mayshow a slight movement, or vibration in response to the changing lightintensity. This movement may be related to the nystagmus effectsdiscussed above herein. The operator then pauses at the particularintensity where involuntary eye movement, a change in eye direction or,for example, a pointing of eyeballs, is noted. The operator may pause atthis setting for a few moments (e.g., a few seconds to a minute or twominutes) and thereafter slightly increase the power setting anddetermine if the movement is attenuated and thereafter decrease thepower setting to observe if movement is still present. The goal of thisfirst step is to identify movement and to quiet the movement as much aspossible.

If any movement persists, the operator may then proceed to adjust thesound inputs to the speakers or transducers from a position of low-highto medium down to a position of medium to medium-low. Once again, as theintensity of the sound is decreased, the operator is observing theeye-area response of the user to the changing intensity of sound. Onceagain, the goal is to quiet movement in and around the eye.

Once the operator has quieted additional movement, which movement may bethe same or different than the initial movement observed, then theoperator can continue to modify the intensity of the output of thelight. In particular, the light setting is now, typically, at amedium-high to medium setting, as defined in Table 2; and the operatorwill, typically, then reduce the light intensity to a range of low-highto medium-low. Once again, as the light intensity is decreased theoperator is constantly monitoring the behavior of the eye-area in anattempt to quiet any observed movement and obtain a forward-looking ofthe eyeballs (which can be observed through closed eyelids) as well as abalanced and static behavior of the eye-area. It is important to notethat the individual within the device can be either asleep or awake,with eyes open or closed, with no important impact on the ability tocreate the balanced environment, since the physiological responsessought and interpreted are all involuntary responses oblivious to thestate of awareness and conscious conduct of the individual.

Various slight modifications of sound and/or light intensities may nowoccur in an attempt to quiet all movement in and around the eye area. Ifproportional control of the transducers is present, this may also beadjusted by the operator to further attempt to quiet all movement in andaround the eye. Once all movements in and/or around the eye area havebeen quieted, then the settings are maintained so that the totalexposure time of the individual to the light and sounds within theenclosure will be from about 15 minutes to about two (2) hours, with thepreferred amount of time being about 30 minutes to about one (1) hour.Moreover, once movement has stopped, the user shall be checked every10-15 minutes to assure that no movement begins again.

In an initial session with a user, rebalancing is typically accomplishedthree or four times because of the occurrence of detoxing anddestressing, which necessitates the rebalancing. Initial sessions with auser are normally not longer than about an hour because of the detoxingwhich may occur: it is important not to overload the ability of theindividual's body to easily process the detoxing; an hour session doesnot provide undue physical stress in this regard. It is important forthe user to drink at least a gallon of water per day during the firstfive to seven days following a session, as this relieves any potentialside effect of the detoxing process on the individual.

In subsequent sessions with a user, balancing is typically onlyundertaken once or twice during the session, as less detoxing anddistressing is usually occurring at that point. Depending on thephysical and emotional condition of the user, multiple sessions may beinitially undertaken over a two to three day period. Aftereffects ofhealing progress typically occur over a three to four week periodfollowing a session with the device. If further sessions are deemed tobe yet needed for additional improvement, they are typically undertakenaround four weeks to a month or more apart.

Once a user has been subjected to the balanced environment of music andlight for a sufficient amount of time (e.g., one-three hours total over,for example, separate one hour exposure times), significantphysiological comparisons of the balance between the sympathetic andparasympathetic portions of the ANS can be made. For example, by usingthe ANSAR ANX 3.0 HRV device discussed above herein, improvements to ANSbalance for an individual can be observed.

The schematic flow chart diagrams described above are generally setforth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order andlabeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method.Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent infunction, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, ofthe illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employedare provided to explain the logical steps of the method and areunderstood not to limit the scope of the method. The order in which aparticular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order ofthe corresponding steps shown.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. An individually balanceable therapeutic light and sound systemcomprising: a signal generator; at least one selectively energizedtransducer operably connected to the signal generator; at least oneselectively energized light source; one or more operator or controllerfor adjusting light emitted by the light source and acousticalvibrations provided by the transducer so as to elicit a desiredautonomic nervous response in a user exposed to the light and acousticalvibrations; and wherein the operator or controller detects an imbalancein the autonomic nervous system by identifying a physiological response,and adjusts an intensity of at least one of the light emitted and theacoustical vibrations provided in response to the physiologicalresponse.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least onetransducer is configured to selectively direct sound waves to one ormore distinct regions of the user.
 3. The system according to claim 1,further comprising at least one attenuating barrier interposed betweentwo or more transducers, the transducers positioned on opposite sides ofa longitudinal centerline, wherein the barrier intersects a transverseline connecting the transducers and the barrier has at least one wallextending generally perpendicular to the transverse line.
 4. The systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising one or more select musicalcompositions.
 5. The system according to claim 1, further comprising anactivation module comprising a transducer switch configured to controlone or more transducers, a light switch configured to control theintensity of the at least one light source, and associated wiring. 6.The system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one monitorconfigured to monitor a response of the user to the applied light andacoustical vibrations and the autonomic nervous system of the user. 7.The system according to claim 6, wherein the monitor utilizes a heartrate variation [“HRV”] technique.
 8. An apparatus for therapeutic lightand sound, the apparatus comprising: a support structure comprising atop side for supporting a user having a right side and a left side; apair of speakers arranged on the support structure for transmittingacoustic vibrations selectively to a fight side and a left side of theuser; at least one light source comprising visible light; one or morecontrollers configured to adjust acoustical vibrations produced by thespeakers and intensity of the light source such that the acousticvibrations and the light source are coordinated to therapeuticallybalance acoustical and light stimulation to the user; and a monitorconfigured to monitor at least one of the user's autonomic nervoussystem and the user's response to the applied light and sound; whereinan imbalance in the autonomic nervous system is detected and at leastone of the vibrations and the intensity is adjusted in response to thedetected imbalance.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising anenclosure module surrounding the user, the enclosure comprising aresonant enclosure configured to transmute applied acoustical vibrationsto a lower frequency.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein theenclosure module is tuned to a musical tone of a C flat minor chord. 11.The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the speakers are configured to operatebetween about 10 Hz and about 25,000 Hz and wherein the at least onelight source is configured to deliver light to the user with awavelength in a range from about 400 nanometers to about 800 nanometers.12. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising one or more reflectivesurfaces positioned around the light source in at least one of aseparate surface configuration and a frame configuration.
 13. A methodfor applying therapeutic light and sound, the method comprising:exposing a user to spectral light and laterally directed sound;monitoring the state of the user's autonomic nervous system; detectingan imbalance between the sympathetic and the parasympathetic elements ofthe autonomic nervous system; adjusting a magnitude of exposure of theuser to at least one of the spectral light and the laterally directedsound to stimulate balanced activity in the sympathetic andparasympathetic elements of the autonomic nervous system; and elicitinga desired autonomic nervous response in a user in response to adjustingthe magnitude of exposure of the user to the light and sound.
 14. Themethod according to claim 13, further comprising transmitting acousticalvibrations specifically to distinct areas of a user's body.
 15. Themethod according to claim 13, further comprising enclosing at least oneeye of the user in an enclosure module coupled to at least one lightsource that produces visible light and tuning the enclosure module to aspecific musical tone.
 16. The method according to claim 13, furthercomprising using a sound generator to generate acoustical vibrationscomprising the directed sound.
 17. The method according to claim 16,further comprising calibrating a sound frequency for the directed soundto correspond to the sympathetic resonance of the sympathetic elementsof the autonomic nervous system.
 18. The method according to claim 17,further comprising controlling the sound generator and at least oneselectively energized light source using a controller.
 19. The methodaccording to claim 13, further comprising monitoring at least one of theuser's autonomic nervous system, and the user's responses to thespectral light and sound.
 20. The method according to claim 19, furthercomprising adjusting at least one of the light and sound frequency inresponse to the monitoring feedback.
 21. The apparatus according toclaim 8, wherein the speakers are on opposite sides of a longitudinalcenterline of the support structure, the apparatus further comprising atleast one attenuating barrier interposed between the speakers such thata line between the speakers intersects the attenuating barrier.
 22. Themethod according to claim 13, further comprising stimulating theautonomic nervous system by exposing the user to an initial intensity ofeach of the spectral light and laterally directed sound, whereinadjusting the magnitude of the exposure comprises reducing an intensityof at least one of the spectral light and the laterally directed soundin order to balance the autonomic nervous system of the user.